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Have you heard of the Curly Girl Method? I am sure you have, it's all over the natural hair community. If you haven't here is your chance to catch up on what you have been missing.Let's break it down shall we?
This method is using strictly conditioner instead of shampoo, which directly relates to cowashing.

Cowashing-Using only conditioner to wash the hair. (No shampoo used)

Most shampoos contain some sort of sulfates and alcohols which may dry out the hair and cause frizz. Sulfates is what creates a rich rather. You might think, that using no shampoo will not properly clean your hair but conditioner can do just as good of a job. The conditioner helps loosen the dirt while retaining moisture.

What sort of conditioners to look for?
Look for conditioners that contain no sulfates or silicones. Here is a list below of great conditioners, some of them may contain silicones but they are great as a moisturizing conditioner.

TRESemme Naturals Conditioner (silicone free) (great for this method)

Aussie Moist Conditioner

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration

Styling options

Use a gel to set and define curls. Try Eco Style Gel or Kinky Curly Curling Custard for a wash n go

If you haven't noticed I've changed the site's look a little. I had not other choice, I had lots of space issues, but I think it looks pretty nice. On the menu bar there use to be a tab titled "What is transitioning?" I have removed that tab to add two new tabs so instead I will just briefly explain what the process is.What is the transitioning process like?

The process of transitioning directly compliments "going natural." When one decides to not apply a relaxer to their hair anymore, one must simply let the relaxed hair grow out. As time goes on, your hair's natural hair texture a.k.a "new growth" will become present and very noticeable.

The place where your hair's natural texture and relaxed hair meet is called the line of demarcation. This section of the hair is very sensitive and can be broken easily. Since the two hair textures do not match, one must be gentle to this area to prevent breakage.

Everyone's process is different. Some really embrace and enjoy the experience while others have trouble adjusting. During this time it is helpful to keep the hair protected by doing styles that require low maintenance. These styles can be twists, braids, updos, sew in or any other style that keeps the hands out of the hair.

Transitioning also may directly complement doing a big chop (explained more in the dictionary). This is where the relaxed ends are cut off and only the natural hair texture is left. Some transition for only a couple of months while others do this for years. The process does seem to become more difficult as time goes on. Some people also wait longer to do the big chop because they want to gain more length. It overall depends on the person.

I could go on and on about transitioning so if you personally have any questions feel free to email me at Classycurlies@gmail.com

In the past, I've posted a ClassyCurls Profile feature on a wonderful person named Victoria (love her name!) who owns her own hair and skin care line. He products contain certified USDA organic shea butter and other natural oils. To view her featured profile, click here.

About a month ago, she sent me a couple of free samples because I was interested in reviewing them. The two products that I will be reviewing are the Mango Conditioner and the Tea Tree Shampoo.

A rich, creamy conditioner
ideal for normal or thick hair. This intensive, daily conditioner detangles and
hydrates the hair with our 100% USDA Certified Organic Shea butter from roots
to ends. Naturally Hypoallergenic, it helps to restore manageability and
protect hair from harsh elements like heat, cold, and over processing, leaving
hair silky smooth, soft and luxuriant. Lightly scented with a hint of tropical
Mango essential oil ( From the NouriShea.com website)

My review:

This product is for definitely for those who have very thick hair but it also works for those who have normal hair. When the product is applied to your hair you can smell the mango. For those who adore mangoes, you'll have a party with this. The texture is sort of like a lotion but doesn't have tons of slip as some lotions have. I do really like this product as a detangler. I applied the product after shampooing and let it sit on my hair for about five minutes before rinsing. Using a wide tooth comb, I detangled my hair with ease. I give this product a 4 out of 5. This won't be a waste of your money!

Tea Tree oil is used to treat dry and itchy scalp, so to combine this essential oil into a shampoo is great. I really liked the Tea Tree smell, and it was not overpowering. It does lather really nicely.Usually, most shampoos leave my hair really matted and brittle. With this shampoo I did not experience any of that. When I rinsed, the product left my hair soft and shiny. Overall I give this product a 5 out of 5.

The chemical in my hair
from relaxing it were causing me to lose hair. My hair was unhealthy and
brittle.

When did you Big chop?

I did 2 chops actually. I did the first
one in June. I cut off 6 inches and let it grow. I hadn't had a relaxer since feb
of 11' and then in February after letting it grow and doing transition styles,
I cut the rest of the processed hair off.

A short regimen you can share?

I co wash twice a week, and every
morning I wet it with a water/oil solution, define the curls with gel and
coconut oil.

Do you have any Favorite Products?

I love my EVOO and Coconut
oil. I like my Motions leave in conditioner. It's amazing.

Do you have any advice on Going Natural?

Be ready to commit.
About half way through the process you may wan tot break down and go back to
relaxers, but hang in there. It is So worth it.

It's about that time. Time for another giveaway! This giveaway is sponsored by Shea Moisture and this gives you a chance to try their products if you haven't already. The entry box is below.

The giveaway will begin March 21,2012 through April 7,2012. There will be two winners for this giveaway. The first will win one jar of Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the second winner will win one jar of Shea Moisture's Purification Masque.

I have noticed that there has been a lot of ladies turning to sulfate-free shampoos and I am one of them. I do not wash my hair with shampoo often, usually once a month, but when I do, I believe sulfate free is the way to go.

Here are some of the problems with shampoos that contain sulfates.

Many people complain that it causes their hair color to fade quickly. Meaning that if you have any artificial color in your hair, it may not last as long due to your shampoo.

Sulfates act as a cleanser and detergent and is what causes your shampoo to lather. This lather can overall dry out your hair which may lead to breakage.

Many people also complain that sulfates cause irritation to their skin and scalp.

I use sulfate free shampoos because I do not find my hair as dry after shampooing. You know that feeling you get after you rinse out the shampoo and haven't applied the conditioner yet? Your hair feels very dry and brittle. Sulfate-free shampoos eliminate that problem to a certain extent.

Last week I went home to visit my family and I saw that my Mom purchased a couple of Shea Moisture products that I currently do not have. I wanted to try them out for myself.

Before we get into the review, here are a few pictures of my hair after I fully detangled my hair and before I washed. I actually went three weeks without washing my hair,and remind me to never do that again. My hair was filthy. From now on, every two weeks it is.

This shampoo claims to relieve itching and flaking while cleansing your scalp. It also treats dandruff, psoriasis and eczema.

My review:

If you have ever tried Shea Moisture's Purification Masque, it smells exactly like that product. If you haven't tried it, this product smells like lemongrass mixed with bananas and mint. It may smell different to every person but I like the smell. For me it took a while for it to suds up, but that was because I didn't run it under the water long enough. I will say that this is a thick shampoo, and does the job. I only washed once and my hair was very clean. I've used some shampoos where after you pour some into your hand, it slides all over the place and it's hard to transfer it from your hand to your hair. Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5

This line of products is made for people with fine and thin hair, and I have neither so I can't give you perfect results but I can tell you a little to help you out. Since it is a conditioner, it is in a cream form. I used lots of this product on my hair because I have a lot of hair. I then began to section off my hair and used a wide tooth comb to work the product through. This product works great as a detangler. I was instantly tangle free. If you are looking for a detangler, look no further. Overall 5 out of 5 just because it works wonderfully as a detangler.

I have some great news to share. The fabulous people of Curlkit.com have granted you all a special discount of 15% off of your total purchase.

If you are not familiar with Curlkit, the service helps naturals, like us, save time and money on products. You would pay $20 a month to receive a "curlkit" box of 5-7 smaller sized hair products. Your kit can include a mix of brands from Shea Moisture, Jane Carter, Kinky Kurly and more.

To receive this discount, the coupon code is "marchmadness." This code is used during checkout and takes off 15% of your total purchase.

Have you ever seriously asked yourself this question? Am I a product junkie? For those of you who do not know what that is, it is a person who is obsessed with buying and trying different products.

I have to admit, when I first went natural I bought probably everything there is. Hint: this is why so many products are pictured above. Actually that is only about half of my hair products. The sad part is that I don't use 70% of that stuff. Want to know if you are a product junkie? Also find ways to deal with it.

If you find something you want to try (and you will) you suddenly drop everything you're doing to go buy that item.

If you get to the store and the product is out of stock, you are PISSED!

You drive to other locations of the store you were in to see if they carry the product.

That night, you dream about owning that product and what wonders it can do to your hair.

You finally get a hold of the product and if you love it (like you think you would) you return back to the store the following day and buy the whole line! If you don't like the product you still return back to the store and find something else to try.

In the end, this process can leave you not only broke, but also with tons of products falling out of your bathroom cabinet.

I need Product Junkie Anonymous....

Give away or sell your gently used products to clear up the clutter.

Only allow yourself a small amount of money per month to spend on hair products.

If you know that you can't handle it, keep your hands in your pockets when you go into any hair or drug store. Don't dare go down the hair isle.

Finding out about a sale on your favorite product doesn't mean that you NEED to buy it.

I've been wearing my hair like this for almost a week now and I can't wait to take it down and wash it. (It itches so bad!) This is day three of my twist out. I used SM Curl Enhancing Smoothie to twist and left them in for about three days.

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